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So who really is the king of the ever-growing $3,000 and under (Counting online pricing) 50" plasma mountain anyway? Panasonic or Samsung? (Unless there is a Pioneer or Toshiba that is worthy of consideration). I've read some reviews and looked at several models of each, like the TH50PX60U or the S5053, but seems that so far the lighting and video source varies at different stores, so it's been hard to distinguish 100% so far.

I'm going to be watching mostly movies & sporting events via Adelphia (Soon to be Time-Warner I believe) HD cable through my DVR box, as well as dvd's. NO video games.

Any detailed advice for which one to go with and why would be appreciated. Perhaps someone who has one of these, or knows someon who does. Are there any key drawbacks for the Panny or Samsung?

Keep in mind there is a huge ownership base here of Panny Panels and they control about 40% of the PDP market and weigh the feedback realizing this.

As you budget is at about $3K that removes other quality 50" panels.

To be honest I've been viewing these for the past few months and I've yet to see a single 60U that has equaled a 500U Panny and the Samsung "S" series have improved much this year - the Samsung has been one of the top panels in the store at both CC and BB iin PDP and especially it's LCD's are best of class with it's partnered Sony panels (LCD costs more though usually).

I actually also dislike the cosmetic look of the silvery plastic Panny 60U, to me it looks rather cheap and as stated I haven't seen one that has been best of class in the stores I've viewed and others have reported the same thing and I know some folks won't like me saying that but I'm one of many reporting this on the 60U especially having owned a 500U myself. I believe the Samsung can be found for your budget but most important buy what pleases you and if you find a Panny 60U that is properly calibrated and matching your expectations then buy it. :)

I really love my Philips 50PF9631D plasma...probably a tad higher in price than your limit, but have had it for a month. Regarding the bezel: it has a wide flat-black bezel that sets off the picture very nicely.